The 10thannual Sand Crab Classic Perch Tournament when off without a hitch as anglers had a blast beach fishing and raising money for Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project. With 300 entrees and more than 30 volunteers, the event has become a real fun day for all.
March 8 proved to be a beautiful day with a morning high tide dropping by noon. The surf was high and most spots were tough to fish, winning anglers searched for small surf zones to score winning perch.
The event now hosted double prize categories in all divisions for both barred and non-barred surf perch. The new idea to honor both barred and non-barred perch helps spread the anglers and pressure out. Barred perch can be caught along the entire beach from Capitola to Monterey, adding a surprise element to the possible winners. The “non-barred” division included a variety of all other surf perch that are usually caught in more localized areas near cliffs, coves and kelp.
With twice as many winners this year, here are a few stand-outs from the different divisions. The juniors division has shown a passing of the guard with older winners moving on and the stage opening up for some young bright contenders.
Samara Cortazzo took first place with her 13 ounce rubber lip perch and Keanna Miller followed it up with a 9 ounce rubber lip perch.
Ken Oda decided to enter the “fly caught division” for perch and took home the trophy with his 1.6 pound barred perch caught off the beach. The largest ever caught barred perch took home the first place trophy and was awarded to Grace Volz as she bumped her husband down to second place with her 3 pound barred perch.
The event continued to host a delicious barbequed meal, newly designed t-shirts and a raffle that never ends.
All proceeds went to the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project and this years event drew more money than ever with $5,000 going to MBSTP.
The booth at the one day event helped anglers get more acquainted with the MBSTP and see where the money goes. It is a fun event for all and is always family friendly.
– Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 20 years. Contact him at ca************@***oo.com.
